Playing Political Chicken

/ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz/ Show Spelled Pronunciation

compromise - [kom-pruh-mahyz] Show IPA noun, verb, -mised, -mis⋅ing.

–noun

1.	a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

2.	the result of such a settlement.

3.	something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.

4.	an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one's integrity.

–verb (used with object)

5.	to settle by a compromise.

6.	to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize: a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.

7.	Obsolete. a. to bind by bargain or agreement. b. to bring to terms.

Yesterday, Governor Pawlenty offered an olive branch to the DFL leadership on the budget. In a letter addressed to the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House, the Governor said that he would relent on his opposition to two of the three main sticking points between the the Legislature and the Governor's office and he would cut in half his request for bonding. In essense he was giving in to the DFL on 2 1/2 of the 3 main issues that the DFL had with the Governor's budget. The DFL's response was quick and predictable. Calling it a "false compromise" and a compromise in "word and not in deed" the DFL leadership of the House and the Senated doubled down on their intent to once again drive the state toward a shut-down (as they did in 2005).

So there you have it - in the idealistic world of Senator Pogemiller, Speaker Kelliher and Majority Leader Sertich the only acceptable compromise is for the governor to completely acquiesce to the DFL's demands. That is not compromise - that is blackmail! Thankfully the Governor showed the people of Minnesota exactly what the DFL leadership is up to and how willing they really are to compromise.

It is clear that the DFL leadership is not willing to do what is best for the PEOPLE of Minnesota. They are only willing to do what is best for the special interest groups that continue to fund their quest for power. Well played Governor - well played indeed!